SOC 203 301 Social Problems – Online Version

Writing Assignment 7
Chapter 9 – Gender

 The following assignment explores the issues of gender inequality. You will watch
a film entitled Miss Representation, and then you will answer a series of questions
about the film. The goal of this weekly module is to understand how gender is
socially (not biologically) constructed, examine the historical and current
conditions of gender inequality in the U.S., use social theory to explain gender
inequality, and examine the role of public policy in addressing gender
inequality. Your responses to the questions about the film will allow you to
demonstrate your mastery of these goals.

 The assignments will be graded on the following scale:

(0) did not complete the assignment;
(1-4) completed the assignment but did not use effective writing and/or did not
illustrate an accurate understanding of the readings or did not meet page
requirement. Need to put forth more effort.
(5-6) completed the assignment, showed effort, on the right track but off base on
some of the major ideas and/or need to improve the effectiveness of the
writing or did not meet page requirement.
(7-8) completed the assignment, used effective writing skills and illustrated an
accurate understanding of the readings, met page requirement – basically
adequate completion of assignment.
(9-10) Excellent writing, extensive detail provided, in-depth analysis, put forth
extensive effort, few or no typos or grammatical errors. Met or
exceeded page requirement.

STEP ONE – Read Chapter 9.

STEP TWO - Watch the film, Miss Representation. This film is available free on VEOH

http://www.veoh.com/watch/v39771873Amj6RRWb?h1=MISSREPRESENTATION

or it is available for rent on Amazon.com.

http://www.amazon.com/Miss-Representation-Cory-
Booker/dp/B00A2KHLXW/ref=sr_1_1_dvt_1?s=instant-
video&ie=UTF8&qid=1424105205&sr=1-1&keywords=miss+representation

STEP THREE

Answer the following questions:

1. What are the main themes of this film? Be specific and thorough.
2. What three points did you find most interesting. What evidence was provided to
support these points? Each of these points should be presented in a full paragraph
with examples and explanations.

3. How does this film inform your understanding of the ways in which gender is
socially constructed? This answer should be a full paragraph or longer.

4. How does this film inform your understanding of the historical changes in gender
inequality in the U.S. This answer should be a full paragraph

5. What is your general reaction to the film?